Statewide Mattress Recycling in Place in California

January 4, 2016  by in Mattresses, Product   

The program is administered by the Mattress Recycling Council, a non-profit organization created by the mattress industry to develop and manage the program mandated by law in 2013. 

The law resulted from the International Sleep Products Association’s efforts to develop an efficient approach to mattress recycling. Since the law was passed in 2013, MRC has worked to develop a mattress disposal solution for municipalities, mattress retailers, hotels, military facilities, universities, healthcare facilities and others throughout the state. California retailers may also make arrangements with MRC for no-cost drop-off of used mattresses and box springs at an MRC contracted recycling facility.

“The mattress industry has been focused on mattress recycling for over 20 years,” said Ryan Trainer, president of ISPA and MRC. “Through MRC, the industry has taken a positive step to protect the environment and bring all stakeholders together to create a cost-effective solution for a long-term problem.”

The program is funded by an $11 recycling fee collected when a new, used or renovated mattress or box spring is sold to California consumers. Consumers notice the fee as a separate line item on their receipt. Retailers and other businesses selling mattresses will collect and remit the fees to MRC each month through a convenient online payment portal.  The fees will be used to pay service providers that will transport and recycle the discarded mattresses.

The program was designed to discourage consumers from illegally dumping used mattress by providing no-cost recycling at solid waste disposal facilities throughout the state. With the number of recycled mattresses increasing, MRC will also support market development for the reclaimed steel, foam, wood and fiber.

A similar recycling program was launched in Connecticut in May.